Florence & Lucca in 2-3 Days — Renaissance Anchor & Tuscan Counterpoint
Route length
2 days
Moving time
~16 h
Distance
18 km
Budget
€260–680/person
Transport
Walking, Cycling
Best Season
Spring
Wanderpath gives you stops and context. Use Google Maps, Komoot or OsmAnd for turn-by-turn directions tailored to your vehicle.
Route Map
Route Waypoints
The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (begun 1296, Brunelleschi's dome completed 1436) is the largest dome ever built — Michelangelo, when asked about his plan for St Peter's, said "I shall make its sister, bigger, but not more beautiful." The cupola is the essential Florence experience — climbing between the inner and outer brick shells of the dome, via Brunelleschi's original 15th-century construction ramps, to emerge at the lantern level with the Arno valley, Fiesole hills, and the red terracotta city below. The Baptistery of San Giovanni (11th century, octagonal) opposite the cathedral has the original "Gates of Paradise" by Ghiberti displayed inside (the outdoor doors are replicas — the 24-carat gilded originals are in the Opera del Duomo Museum). The Opera del Duomo museum is the finest collection of medieval and Renaissance sculpture in Florence — Donatello's wooden penitent Magdalene, Michelangelo's unfinished Pietà (worked on until his death), and the original Ghiberti panels.
Practical Tips
Brunelleschi Pass: ONLY available at duomo.firenze.it — no walk-up tickets for the cupola. The timed slot for the cupola is the critical booking. Book when you know your dates: summer 3+ weeks ahead, shoulder season 1 week.
Giotto's Campanile (bell tower, 84m, 414 steps) is included in the Pass and gives virtually the same panoramic view as the cupola with a shorter, wider staircase. Better for those uncomfortable with confined spaces.
The last 50 steps of the cupola ascent: the passage between the inner and outer dome shells narrows to 1.5m wide on a sloping floor — designed for Brunelleschi's construction workers, not modern tourists. Not recommended for severe claustrophobia.
Baptistery "Gates of Paradise": Ghiberti worked on the East doors (1425–1452) for 27 years. Lorenzo de' Medici gave them the name "Gates of Paradise." The 10 gilded panels tell Old Testament scenes in a new pictorial depth — they are why the Renaissance started here.
Best time in the museum: the Pietà Bandini by Michelangelo (not the Vatican one — a different, unfinished work) is on the first floor, typically with very few visitors at 09:30 when the museum opens.
Coordinates:[1] 43.77310, 11.25600 · [2] 43.77542, 11.25146
Where to stay
- Plus FlorenceHostel · €35–95 · 446 m
Pool and rooftop bar 5min from station; private rooms available; best value accommodation in central Florence
This route in collections
Practical info
Lifetime access
Free preview: Stop 1 of 7 unlocked
What's included:
Lifetime access
Free preview: Stop 1 of 7 unlocked
What's included:
Traveler Reviews
What adventurers are saying about this route
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Similar Routes
Discover more cycling adventures across Europe
Grado & Aquileia in a Day — Roman Mosaics & the Adriatic Lagoon
Milan in a Day — Duomo, Galleria, Last Supper & Navigli
